RETIRED teachers who were recruited to assist in Gauteng schools are going to start with their jobs this term.

RETIRED teachers who were recruited to assist in Gauteng schools are going to start with their jobs this term.

The Gauteng department of education hosted a seminar for retired teachers and principals at the end of the last term. At the seminar, education MEC Barbara Creecy said they wanted teachers who taught maths, science, accounting, English, technology, geography and biology to assist in schools.

"The biggest problem we have is that learner performance is not improving," Greecy said. "In Grade 3 less than 30percent of learners can read and write, and less than 40percent are numerate.

"In matric we have a yo-yo effect. Some years they perform well and in others not."

Department spokesperson, Charles Phahlane yesterday said: "Starting this quarter, they will start working in the foundation and further education and training phases."

He said they would assist with literacy and numeracy in the foundation phase and with Saturday and holiday classes in the further education and training phase.

"With the intermediary and secondary phases we are still working on a strategy, but they will start working before the end of next term. The teachers are going to be paid stipends that will essentially cover their transport and lunch costs," he said.